The Summerland, B.C. council has decided to fund some costly repairs on the existing Aquatic and Fitness Centre after a failed community referendum to build a new pool. Roof repairs are currently underway, with the initial budget of $110,000 increasing to $350,000 due to unexpected rotting of the wooden structure. The council will be using a portion of its growing communities fund, allocated by the province for infrastructure projects, to cover the additional cost. The entire project is estimated to take at least two weeks to complete, with no additional tax implications expected at this time.
The Facility Condition Assessment Report from 2018 indicated that the existing facility is nearing the end of its serviceable life and requires significant upgrades to remain operational. The current focus is on completing necessary repairs to the building, with the roofing project being a major step in ensuring the facility’s functionality. After the roof repairs are finished, staff will conduct further investigations on all building systems to determine any immediate repair needs. Minor repairs will be completed as necessary, while major repairs or upgrades will be brought to council during the 2025 budget deliberations for consideration as part of the five-year capital plan.
Despite the need for repairs and upgrades, the community referendum to borrow $50 million for constructing a new facility was unsuccessful, with 58% of the community voting against it. The decision to invest in repairs for the existing Aquatic and Fitness Centre reflects the current focus on maintaining the building’s operational status and addressing immediate needs. Mayor Doug Holmes emphasized that there would be no additional tax implications for the current project, but the future implications remain uncertain. The council will have to assess any major repairs or upgrades during the 2025 budget deliberations.
Overall, the decision to fund repairs on the aging Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Summerland, B.C. comes after a failed attempt to build a new facility through a community referendum. The focus is currently on completing necessary repairs to keep the existing building operational, with the roofing project as a major priority. The unexpected increase in costs for the roof repairs highlights the challenges faced in maintaining aging infrastructure. While the current funding is sourced from the growing communities fund without immediate tax implications, future decisions on major repairs or upgrades will need to be considered during the 2025 budget deliberations. The council’s commitment to maintaining the facility’s functionality reflects their responsibility to address the community’s recreational needs and ensure a safe and efficient environment for residents.
